Brian Totman finished combining his Saffron winter barley yesterday (21 July) at Portway Farm, Andover, Hampshire.

“It performed well at nearly 3t/acre (7.4t/ha) – we couldn’t believe it.” The 16ha (40 acres) averaged a bold bushelweight of 72kg/hl, and is already being loaded out.

With no oilseed rape, Gerald winter oats would be next in line. But 20mm of rain today meant they were at least a week away from ripening.

“They don’t look too bad – and the 18ha (45 acres) of Scout winter wheat looks good, too.”

About 23ha (130 acres) of Tipple spring barley was also promising, given the dry weather this summer.

Crop: Winter barley
Variety: Saffron
Area: 16ha (40 acres)
Yield: 7.4t/ha (3t/acre)